Experimental Investigations on the Demisability of Space Relevant Materials

Abstract

In the frame of the ESA project Characterisation of Demisable Materials (CHARDEM), sophisticated wind tunnel testing on the behaviour of space relevant materials during re-entry was done by the German Aerospace Center DLR. Two test campaigns on a total of eight materials were performed. While the first campaign dealt with the demisability of standard materials, the second campaign was addressed to future materials and complex satellite structures. A short overview of the conditions seen by the main fragment during uncontrolled re-entry and a brief description of the test facilities, as well as the derived test conditions and the measurement techniques are given. The results of both test campaigns are presented and discussed as is the developed standard test procedure. Finally, an outlook of the results impact on design-for-demise and potential future investigations is given.